india, china, and japan. vedic period in india the hindu way of life is named for vedas—a...
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Vedic period in India
The Hindu Way of Life
• Is named for Vedas—a collection of hymns and prayers of Aryan culture—most sacred books of Hinduism
c. 1500-c. 500 B.C.
• Priests become more important than nobles and kings—almost divine
Stone figure of Brahma, Hindu creator god,c. 1110-1150 A.D.
Class system develops
The Hindu Way of Life
• forerunner of later caste system
c. 1500-c. 500 B.C.
Early concept of reincarnation:
• classes represent parts of an ideal that existed at the beginning of the world
soul travels, returns as rain, and is reborn
Relief of a Kshatriya, a member of the warrior caste
The Hindu Way of Life
Caste, Karma, and Reincarnation
Four major castes• Brahmans: scholars, priests, teachers• Kshatriyas: rulers and warriors• Vaisyas: merchants,
farmers, artisans
• Sudras: menial workers
“Untouchable” women in southern India. “Untouchables”
have no caste.
The Hindu Way of Life
Caste, Karma, and Reincarnation
Karma—actions in life—affects rebirth and future lives
Reincarnation
• rebirth of the soul in another body
• also called transmigration of soul
The Hindu Way of Life
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
• Three deities (the Trimuti, or “Three Forms”) stand out
• Brahma the Creator
Hinduism has numerous deities
• Vishnu the Protector• Shiva the
Destroyer/Preserver
Hindu temple statues
• Is founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.), called Buddha (“Enlightened One”) by followers
Buddhism (India)
Philosophy and Religion
500s B.C.-A.D. 500s
• Human suffering caused by desire for earthly goods
• Rejects Hindu caste system
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